The global cosmetics industry is emerging as the most promising end user for CBD in skin care. Apart from the medical field, CBD oils are finding widespread use in skin care products. Under the CBD beauty sector, various cosmetic products are being manufactured, ranging from make-up to lipsticks, facial cream, perfume, body baths, moisturizers and shampoos.

Inside the skin, the endocannabinoid system regulates the production of several hormones and proteins signifying that cannabinoid receptors in the skin aids epidermal differentiation and development. CBD is also known to produce lipids regulating acne and seborrhea, along with its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.

In Israel, scientists have identified more than 1200 genes affected by CBD. Of these, 600 transcripts were upregulated by CBD while 524 genes were downregulated. Furthermore, CBD has also been shown to regulate the expression of 491 genes of which 165 are of the skin. Additionally, CBD also activates both the cannabinoid and PPAR Gamma receptors in the skin, which is possibly responsible for its stated skin benefits including skin soothing, improved skin barrier, antipruritic, improved moisturization and oil control. Moreover, it is also finding application in the treatment of psoriasis/atopic dermatitis.

The gigantic potential of the CBD beauty market is amply visible, as many products could be sold OTC and some with the need for a prescription. This will simplify the access to many consumers. From 2018 until now, many big names in the beauty retail are proactively seeking market potential and have started their ventures into the emerging space. Sephora, owned by The LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, came up with an individually curated section wholly devoted to the CBD products in its stores. Ulta Beauty, recognized for its chains of beauty stores for unisex cosmetics and skincare products, is also anticipated to be going in this direction. Some luxury retailers are also moving towards CBD-infused product line. For instance, Originals Hemp Mask from Estee Lauder Companies, Kiehl’s Cannabis Serum from L’Oreal and the Murad’s Hemp Serum from Unilever.

Infused with cannabidiol, one of the most common cannabinoids found in cannabis and hemp, CBD cosmetic products are lotions, creams, oils, and balms. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is not psychoactive, so CBD alone does not induce any of the infamous cerebral effects. The benefits of CBD products in the cosmetic industry are immense such as anti-oxidant, anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory to name a few. It offers a missing particle in terms of an antioxidant on the skin, with which a free radical can bind, preventing it from causing DNA damage. As for anti-inflammatory properties, CBD helps to fight oxidative stress.

In sunscreens, CBD is beneficial as it is absorbed directly through hair follicles, epidermis and skin pores. In order to boost the endocannabinoid system and encourage equilibrium, it interacts with neighboring receptors of the sensory nerve fibers and subcutaneous tissue of the skin. CBD is becoming increasingly recognized for its anti-inflammatory characteristics, making it a particularly good tool to maintain healthy skin when in hot temperatures. Sunburn is an inflammatory response to the sun's ultraviolet rays causing damage. As these rays jeopardize the health of our skin, the defenses of our cell are impaired. The damaged skin cell may not be able to correctly repair itself, resulting in lethal skin cancers.

• Benefits of using CBD sunscreens

The cannabis sativa plant that extracts CBD has an endless list of medical benefits. Some of these are comparatively well recognized, such as its capacity to alleviate pain or boost appetite. The ability to protect skin from photoactivity, however, is one of its hidden miracles. This is because cannabis crops are rich in essential fatty acids which, owing to their capacity to nourish and hydrate the skin, are prevalent components in many skin care products. They also assist safeguard the skin from the sun by establishing a natural SPF layer on the skin surface.

Due to their capacity to control sebum manufacturing, which is the main cause of breakouts and pimples, CBD oil products are also outstanding in combating acne. CBD also slows the growth of fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, and other signs of aging. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it also reduces redness and swelling, and it is gentle enough to be used on the most sensitive skin.

Dixie Botanicals, a subsidiary of Medical Marijuana, Inc., has partnered with Surface Products Corp. to market a sunscreen infused with CBD.  Dixie Botanicals + Surface CBD-Infused SPF50 Sheer Touch sunscreen is formulated with 100 mg of all-natural CBD. It protects the skin against UVA and UVB rays and for 80 minutes it is water-resistant.

Asia is one of the biggest hemp oil producers, and most of it comes from China. China is the world's leading powerhouse in hemp production today, cultivating, processing, manufacturing and exporting. Chinese local hemp sales were approximately USD 1.1 billion in 2017, more than one-third of the global market. South Korea, Asia's cultural center has a booming market for beauty and personal care that accounted for more than USD 8.5 billion in 2016 revenues. Australia's MCG Pharmaceuticals has entered into supply agreement to provide approximately 15,000 kg of CBD skin care products per month to Korean business Varm Cosmo for 3 years.

Other markets in the region are also loosening of industrial hemp and medical cannabis constraints, including Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, and other nations. The possibilities in these areas which is home to 60% of the world's inhabitants, are infinite for hemp-based products and technology development. As the international community is increasingly addressing cannabis reform and engaging with the legalized cannabis industry, there will be many opportunities where such activity seemed unimaginable a long ago.

Hemp will play a major role throughout several Asian countries in the coming years.

China is the world leader in growing, processing, manufacturing and exporting hemp. It has a significant textile hemp sector and a booming CBD market ready for drastic development as customers become more acquainted with the applications and versatility of the product.

Legality around CBD in China is still in question, while clarity is on the increase in the United States around hemp-infused products. Set for use in its Urban Juve Wellness and brands Wright & Well, Yield Growth has created for its products a patented formula obtained from completely legal hemp root oil, unlike the formulas of rivals that do not use the root.

Two of the 34 areas in China today are quietly leading a boom in manufacturing of CBD. Local companies have already been provided approval in southern China to extract cannabidiol, with Hanma Investment Group becoming the first in 2017.

Hemp root oil products from Urban Juve are now accessible through the famous WeChat app via e-commerce sales in China, the U.S., Japan, South Korea and Germany. The product line has also lately become accessible in Greece and Cyprus, while the brands are signed on to sell at more than 110 retail outlets in North America.

South Korea, with its flourishing beauty sector, is also starting to see CBD-infused cosmetics entering its domestic market. Once CBD personal care products establish their niche, this region is anticipated to generate a substantial market opportunity for CBD cosmetic players.